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Business of the House

Given the mounting concerns expressed at Prime Minister’s questions yesterday, DEFRA questions today and in an early-day motion about the proposed cuts relating to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which has sites across the country including an important one in Dorset, does the Leader of the House share my concerns about the potential long-term implications for the United Kingdom’s science assets and scientific base? Does he feel that there should be some parliamentary input into the consultation? There is a real danger that a decision could be taken without any democratic input.